New York:Azerbaijan has voiced strong objections to a report by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, accusing it of harboring a biased and selective approach. Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, delivered this statement during an Interactive Dialogue at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajiyev specifically rejected the allegations made in paragraphs 16 and 17 of the report concerning Azerbaijan. He criticized the report for failing to acknowledge the destruction of religious heritage in Azerbaijan during a nearly 30-year-long occupation, where numerous Islamic sites, including at least 65 mosques, were destroyed, and cemeteries desecrated.
Hajiyev questioned the impartiality and objectivity of the Special Rapporteur, citing the omission of these facts from the report. He emphasized the need for mandate holders to execute their duties without external interference, stressing the importance of objectivity and impartiality.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s multi-confessional society, Hajiyev noted the constitutional guarantees for religious freedom, emphasizing the country’s efforts to preserve and develop its religious diversity. He reported that 994 religious communities were registered in 2025, including Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Baha’i, and Krishna communities, with a variety of places of worship.
In conclusion, Hajiyev urged Special Rapporteurs to avoid biased and selective approaches to effectively address challenges related to freedom of religion or belief.